How does a blood test work?

A blood test typically involves drawing a blood sample, either through a traditional venipuncture or a finger prick for at-home testing kits.

1. Traditional Venipuncture:

   • Procedure: A healthcare professional uses a needle to draw blood directly from a vein, usually in the arm.
   • Processing: The blood is collected into tubes and sent to a laboratory for analysis, where various tests are performed to check for specific biomarkers or health conditions 1.

2. At-Home Testing:

   • Finger Prick: Companies have developed methods where you can collect a blood sample yourself, often with a finger prick. This method uses small capillary tubes or dry blood spot (DBS) cards to collect multiple drops of blood, which are then sent back to the lab for analysis 2.
   • Serum Separator Cards: Advanced methods use serum separator cards to separate the serum from red blood cells. This allows the sample to remain stable for longer periods, even during shipping, and provides the ability to test multiple biomarkers from a single sample 3.

     Blood Test Basics

     Ralph Holsworth

     Mike Mutzel

     Learn about the process of getting a blood test, including how to order a kit, draw the blood, and interpret the results with consulting physicians. Discover why it's an essential first step in assessing a patient's care.

     

     High Intensity Health

     High Blood Pressure & blood viscosity and blood donation

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Regardless of the method, the collected samples are analyzed in a lab. The results are then interpreted by healthcare professionals, who can use this information to diagnose and monitor various health conditions. This evolution in blood testing has made it more accessible and convenient, enabling people to conduct essential health checks from the comfort of their home 2 4.